Anton Roux, CEO of Aon Sub Saharan Africa, yesterday issued the following statement in recognition of the 94th birthday of Nelson Mandela:

"Aon has been part of the LEAD SA campaign to sing happy birthday to Madiba on his birthday today at the game between Manchester United and Amazulu. On behalf of my Aon colleagues in South Africa, I want to say; from one appreciative company, Aon, and one legendary team, Manchester United, to one extraordinary and legendary man – Happy Birthday Madiba."

Aon plc is the principal partner and global shirt sponsor of Manchester United, which kicked off it's pre-season tour on Tuesday night with a 1-0 win over AmaZulu. A first half goal from Federico Macheda ensured the Red Devils victory.

Sir Alex Ferguson selected a mid-strength side, with the likes of Paul Scholes, Javier Hernandez and Rio Ferdinand all starting amongst a vibrant atmosphere in Durban with many locals celebrating the birthday of Nelson Mandela, who turned 94 on Tuesday.

There was also a start for Dimitar Berbatov, a player who seems destined to leave to club.

It was Berbatov who provided the defence splitting pass for Macheda to run onto for the opening goal. The Italian used his blistering pace to get through on goal and slot past Kapini in the Amazulu goal.

The home side replied in aggressive fashion with a barrage of shots courtesy of frontman Dlamini. Namely, the striker’s impressive edge-of-the-area pop-shot called for a strong save from Lindegaard in the United goal.

The dying embers of the game witnessed a scrappy affair, with an effort from Davide Petrucci effort from 20-yards out being the only chance of the final moments.

New signing Shinji Kagawa made his United debut just before stoppage time, much to the delight of the Durban crowd, but time wasn't on his side as his first appearance ended on a muted note, United seeing out the game without further incident.